College Football Playoff Ranking Projections: Top 25 for Week 10

In South Bend on Saturday, NC State had few answers for Notre Dame as they fell 35-14 on the road. Unable to find much room to move the ball against the Fighting Irish defense, the Wolfpack dropped their second game of the season. But because Notre Dame is an independent team, NC State still remains atop the ACC Atlantic standings and control their own destiny in the conference.

Ryan Finley finished just 17-of-37 for 213 yards, with a touchdown and an interception through the air. The Wolfpack managed just 50 rushing yards on two dozen carries, faltering against the Irish front seven. Meanwhile, the NC State defense held Brandon Wimbush in check passing the ball. But they were unable to contain Josh Adams on the ground, as the running back finished with 202 yards on the day.

Next week’s home game against Clemson is pivotal for the Wolfpack’s chances in the College Football Playoff race. A win over the defending ACC and national champions would all but seal up the division for NC State this year and push them up the CFP Top 25. For now, though, Dave Doeren’s team will be among the last teams in the initial release on Tuesday.